MANILA -- President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III officially met the employees of the Office of the President (OP) Monday during his first flag raising ceremony in Malacanang’s Kalayaan grounds.
Aquino, who came ahead of the 8 a.m. rites, delivered a short speech before the OP staff expressing his expectations and appeal from the people that he will be working with for the next six years.
He stressed the need for unity and loyalty of his employees for him to be able to carry out his programs and perform well as president.
“Kinakailangan ko po ang inyong tulong, katapatan sa serbisyo at pag-unawa lalo na sa mga pagkakataong tila hindi na ako makausap sa dami ng iniisip,” he said.
The bachelor President also expressed enthusiasm about working with some employees who have served his mother, late former President Cory Aquino.
“Ako po’y lubos na nagagalak na makasama kayo lalo na po ang ilan sa inyo na nakilala ko na noong manungkulan ang aking ina at ngayon at makakasama kong muli,” he said.
He recalled how their family was loved and cared by some while also hated by others.
“Sa lahat ng pagsubok, nagbantay kayo at nag-aruga. Hinding-hindi ninyo kami pinabayaan… Marami kaming nagging kaibigan kahit marami kaming nakabangga,” he said.
The President and OP workers together sang "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" after flag-raising.
Aquino was able to make it on time during the flag-raising although he maintained not using blinkers and sirens.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda earlier said that the President will just have to adjust his time and wake up early to beat the traffic in Manila and make it on time in his appointments. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)